Since its pilot at Hamilton’s St Paul’s College in 2013, the programme has been offered at over 120 schools across New Zealand and to more than 4,000 students.
Both Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and DairyNZ are principle partners in the programme.
Olivia Weatherburn, B+LNZ national extension programme manager, says the programme has been a “game changer”, adding that it is equipping students to be involved in the food and fibre industry while helping teachers promote the sector.
The programme evolved out of a 2013 St Paul’s parents survey that demonstrated parents wanted more support for its rural students in encouraging them to pathways into the primary sector.
“Due to its widespread success, the programme not only has shown rural students what careers they can have within the industry, it has also helped to positively change both school and community perceptions of the primary sector,” Weatherburn says.
The academic agribusiness in schools course offered at NCEA Levels 2 and 3 (years 12 and 13) is designed to expose students to a wide array of skills required and the opportunities available in the primary sector beyond the farm gate.
“What is great about this initiative is that it is in partnership with the Ministry of Education, NZQA and the primary industries to ensure we equip our future sector workers with the right skills.”
“Overall, the programme is increasing trainee teacher numbers and teacher capability across agribusiness which is a win win for our sector and the food and fibre industry as a whole,” says Weatherburn.
